Why the Pittsburgh Pirates Passed on Dylan Crews as the No. 1 Pick: Insights into Key Factors

Introduction

The Pittsburgh Pirates' decision to pass on Dylan Crews as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft remains a subject of much discussion and speculation among baseball analysts and fans. This article examines several factors that might have influenced their decision, including financial considerations, the prospects of other players, and the organization's current pitching needs.

Financial Considerations

Perception of Dylan Crews

One of the primary reasons cited for the Pirates' decision is the perception of Dylan Crews' asking price. It is rumored that Crews was seeking above-slot money, a perception that was partly fueled by his choice of Scott Boras as his agent. Given the financial constraints of their organization, the Pirates might have opted to select a player with more affordable demands. By doing so, they could allocate the saved funds to other players later in the draft, thus maintaining financial flexibility for the organization.

Paul Skenes and His Potential

Triple-digit Velocity and Advanced Control

Another significant factor in the Pirates' decision was the consideration of Paul Skenes. Skenes is regarded as a generational pitching prospect, throwing triple-digit velocity and maintaining it deep into starts. He also demonstrates advanced control for his age and level, possessing decent secondary offerings. Most notably, Skenes has low miles on the odometer, having only recently converted to full-time pitching. This combination of skills and potential represents a high-ceiling talent that could significantly benefit the Pirates' pitching staff in the long term.

Comparison with Dylan Crews

While Dylan Crews was generally regarded as the best position player in the 2023 draft, the consensus on Skenes is that he is the best pitching prospect in multiple years. This distinction is crucial because pitchers are inherently more risky and can have a more immediate impact on the team's success. Despite this, Skenes was perceived as offering more high-ceiling talent, which aligns with the Pirates' strategic vision for their organization.

Organizational Needs and Current Issues

Current Pitching Struggles

The Pittsburgh Pirates have faced significant pitching challenges this season. They have experienced the loss of J.T. Brubaker to injury during spring training, followed by the regression of Luis Ortiz and Roansy Contreras. Currently, their best pitching prospect, Quinn Priester, is performing below expectations in high-minors, where he seems to be merely getting by rather than dominating. The organization's bullpen has also shown some instability, indicating a pressing need to address their pitching woes.

Despite these challenges, Skenes may not join the 2023 team immediately. However, his potential and the team's need for a generational pitching prospect suggest that his selection is a strategic move to address their long-term needs. The recent struggles in the pitching staff may have solidified the organization's belief that they need to focus on acquiring high-potential pitching prospects, making Skenes a more attractive option than Crews.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Pirates' decision to pass on Dylan Crews appears to be influenced by a combination of financial considerations, the high potential of Paul Skenes, and the organization's current pitching needs. This move reflects the Pirates' strategic vision for the future and their desire to build a sustainable pitching rotation for the long term.